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First Impressions: Microsoft Surface Book 2

The new Surface Book 2 was announced a couple of weeks ago. On the weekend, I had the chance to take a closer look at the 13.5 inch-version of the latest member of the Surface family. To learn more about the specifications, check out this article here.

The Surface Book 2 looks very similar to its predecessor because it utilizes the same form factor. Nevertheless, there are a couple of differences between the devices. Microsoft is (finally) bringing USB-C to a Surface device. On the Surface Book 2, the USB-C port is replacing the miniDisplayPort and supports video-out, power in/out and USB 3.1 data. Thunderbolt 3 is not supported.

Furthermore, Microsoft has rebuilt the muscle wire mechanism which releases the tablet from the base. The release is now much quieter and the Surface Book can now also be opened one-handed. According to Microsoft, the redesigned hinge now also offers a more secure fit. While the muscle mechanism was rebuilt, the “gap” when the Surface Book is closed is still there. I know that many people are not huge fans of this gap but I actually like it because it gives the device its book-like shape and is definitely something unique.

The Surface Book 2 comes with an excellent display. The 3000 x 2000 PixelSense touch display offers great and bright looking colors. Furthermore the brightness is also really good. I really love the screen of the device.

Luckily, Microsoft has not changed a lot on the keyboard of the Surface Book. There are a couple of minor changes in the keyboard but in total the Surface Book 2 typing experience is as good as the original Surface Book or even better.

The real improvements compared to the original Surface Book are on the inside. The dual-core Skylake architecture is now replaced by Intel’s new quad-core 8th generation Core i7 processors – the base model of the Surface Book 2 still comes with a dual-core 7th generation i5 processors.

Of course I was not able to test the performance and the battery life of the device but from my first impressions I can definitely say that Microsoft made a lot of things right with the Surface Book 2. There are many pros like the excellent display and the amazing typing experience. Summing up, the Surface Book 2 is a device that offers a tremendous amount of features and is basically capable of everything.

First Impressions: Microsoft Surface Book 2 was last modified: November 21st, 2017 by Valentin